Unveiling Alleged Heist at Central Bank: Investigator Recommends Charges Against Former Administration Officials
In a startling revelation, special investigator Jim Obazee has submitted findings implicating senior officials from the past administration, urging President Bola Tinubu to authorize the prosecution of former cabinet secretary Boss Mustapha and ex-central bank chief Godwin Emefiele. The alleged involvement of these officials in the removal of $6.23 million from the Central Bank's vault in Abuja has raised serious concerns about a brazen and relentless heist of public funds.
According to Mr. Obazee's undated memorandum to President Tinubu, the purported theft occurred on February 8, 2023, just weeks before the presidential election on February 25. The investigative report points to an orchestrated effort, beginning on January 26, when Mustapha requested the substantial sum in cash. The subsequent discovery of the fraudulent withdrawal, captured on CCTV footage, exposed a concerning lack of oversight within the Central Bank.
Efforts to cover up the wrongdoing are alleged, with the investigator noting a suspicious transaction flagged by a CBN employee but overlooked. The recommended charges include forgery, concealment, stealing, conspiracy, and fraud against Mustapha, Emefiele, and several CBN directors and departmental heads.
While Mr. Obazee has not yet recommended charges against former President Buhari, the investigation into the actions under Emefiele is set to continue, marking a significant development in the pursuit of accountability. The findings shed light on potential corruption within the highest echelons of the Central Bank, prompting calls for thorough scrutiny and legal action against those implicated.
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